Alicia Minshew is on maternity leave which is one reason for her not being on every day.

Can't wait to see Alicia back on AMC, whenever that will be. Love Her

I don't see how this could have been a forced retirement. He's almost 82 years old, he was born and raised on the East Coast, he hasn't done any other screen acting besides AMC since the show began, he's almost 82 years old, he probably doesn't want to fly back and forth every time they'll "need" him, he's almost 82 years old, etc. I'm positive the parting was nothing less than his own decision.

ITA with this, I think it was his decision to. And it makes sense.

I'm glad AMC didn't kill him off and use that for the 40th Anniversary or something. Leaving it open for him to come back if needed or to support someone was the right decision. I think we'll see him again at some point

I don't see how this could have been a forced retirement. He's almost 82 years old, he was born and raised on the East Coast, he hasn't done any other screen acting besides AMC since the show began, he's almost 82 years old, he probably doesn't want to fly back and forth every time they'll "need" him, he's almost 82 years old, etc. I'm positive the parting was nothing less than his own decision.

Forced in the sense that he probably wouldn't have retired in January had the show not moved. The show moving was essentially the catalyst for him to retire. I understand he's 82 and probably didn't want to commute or move.

Forced in the sense that he probably wouldn't have retired in January had the show not moved. The show moving was essentially the catalyst for him to retire. I understand he's 82 and probably didn't want to commute or move.

Ray would have continued to do the show until his health prevented him from doing it if you ask me. The move totally forced him out. Its too bad. As little as he has been used in the last decade, he still provided some continuity and balance. Hopefully we'll still see him every once in a while. He still seemed in good health generally.

Edited February 1, 201016 yr by Adam

That's disgusting. They could have devoted an episode to recalling the story of Joe, Ruth and the Martin clan. A retirement party was a perfect excuse for the show to pay tribute to the only original cast member other than Susan Lucci.